Septic Tank Inspection 97075

Septic systems are most often found in rural areas of 97075 and will consist of a series of pipes connecting it to the home, a septic tank, a filtering system to separate the solid waste from the liquid and connecting pipes that drain off the liquid waste into the yard, in a designated area called the drain field. These systems are often inspected before septic installation and tested afterwards, to make sure that it is operating properly.

Ownership of a septic tank system in 97075 means that everyone understands the importance of having regular septic tank inspection and septic pumping to catch potential problems before they happen. All too often, nothing is done until the worst happens, like the tank developing a leak, or it backs up into an area away from the drain field. Two easy ways to avoid this from happening include monitoring what goes into it as waste and remembering its physical location to avoid accidents.

When there is a septic system installation, the area where the septic tank is placed should be noted so that no accidental driving or parking of a heavy vehicle can occur. While most tanks are buried deep enough to avoid this, as a general principle it should be avoided to prevent damage to the tank in the future.

What are the health department regulations for a Septic Tank in 97075?

Most of us pay ample value to the interiors of our homes, but often, we intentionally or unintentionally choose to avoid things that need attention like proper septic tank installation and maintenance. No matter where you have your home, having the right kind of septic tank installed and ensuring its maintenance is one aspect that you just cannot ignore. Before going in the details of how to choose a company, it is essential to understand the need to invest in such maintenance costs.
Avoid health hazards and damage to environment: In the case of septic tank failure, the local environment can be largely affected. This can lead to further health related hazards for your family and those families living nearby. This is a condition can often be immensely dangerous, and the effects can be there even after a long time.
Avoid the repair costs: Most people don't realise the simple fact that septic tank service is easy on the pocket rather than repairs. In fact, repairs can run in thousands of dollars, and in an unfortunate event where reinstallation is required, you are in for big troubles. Rather than investing so much in a single payment, hiring the services of a professional for cleaning, pumping and maintenance is a safer and better option any day.
Avoid property damage: Apart from the damage mentioned above, you can also face damage to the property values. If you are really concerned about your home and want to fetch a good resale value at a later stage, maintenance and upkeep of septic tank is something you just cannot ignore. Property evaluators may not consider your home to be worth of what you ask if there is any damage related to septic tank.
The main question lies in how to select the right company for septic tank cleaning, pumping and maintenance. It is obvious that a local company must be selected, but make sure that you take a look at the traits given below before choosing one.
Look for a construction company: Rather than looking for company that can offer maintenance, it is essential that you look for a company that is well versed with installation, repairs and other tasks. This will not only bring you the best expertise, but at the same time, you can get emergency services when required.
Look for costs: The costs of annual septic tank maintenance contracts can vary from one company to another, and this is also large dependent on the tank type you have. While looking for hiring a company, ask for quote and compare the same with others.
Look for experience: Always choose a licensed company over a company that is still looking for it. It is important that your company has the right experience to handle repairs, pumping, cleaning and maintenance, and when required, they must be available for service. A reputed company should good at commercial and residential sites alike.
Check online on a few company websites for details on septic tank maintenance.
Where your waste goes after it gets flushed down the toilet isn't something that many of us think about very often, nor should it be. Thanks to technological advances in the last century, plumbing and public sanitation has become much more convenient, hygienic and precise. The vast majority of those of us who live in metropolitan areas have our home sewer lines tapped into the city sewer mains, which means that our waste travels to a public treatment plant to be processed. For homes and businesses that cannot tap into public sewer lines, however, using a septic tank is an option that provides similar results in a different manner.
They are large holding tanks for sewage, almost always located below ground. They are usually constructed of plastic, and are often able to contain many weeks worth of waste. A septic tank can generally allow for the permanent disposal of waste in one of three ways: by being pumped out on a regular basis, by having bacteria or chemicals applied that eats away the waste naturally, or be allowing the waste to be dispersed naturally into the ground through a leech field. In all of these cases, septic tanks usually require less maintenance than you would think after the initial installation is complete.
A tank is generally called for in a couple of different scenarios. The first and most common is in more rural areas that do not have public city sewer systems available to tap into. The tax dollars that we pay as residents of a city go partially toward providing sanitary services, one of which is maintaining a public sewage treatment plant and sewer system. If, however, your home or business is located too far away from existing city sewer lines, it becomes necessary to dispose of your own waste by installing a septic tank system. Generally, permanent tanks are relatively affordable, can be installed in a few days, and are reliable.
Another scenario where septic tanks might be necessary is on temporary, extensive construction projects that will require many laborers over a longer period of time. In this case, portable toilets might be too temporary and inadequate, but actually building a sewer main to attach to the city sewers might be too expensive and time consuming. In this case, a small tank system is a more intelligent solution that can be used temporarily and then removed when the construction project is complete.
If you think that you might need to have a tank system installed at a home, business or constructions site, make sure that you research local contractors to see who offers the best prices and service. Thanks to modern technology, you shouldn't notice any discernible difference between being attached to a public sewer system and using a septic tank.
For those non-city folks that rely on a septic system instead of a city sewer, having a failed septic system is a major headache. It is amazing to hear the horror stories, as well as, the vast amount of mis-information being circulated about septic tanks, leaching systems, septic system repair costs, etc.
With over 30 years of experience in the design engineering of subsurface sewage disposal systems, commonly called "Septic Systems", I've prepared this easy to follow 12 step outline as a guide in replacing a Septic System. There is one very important pre-qualification before you start, you need to retain a qualified professional civil engineer or registered sanitarian. I have to stress the word "qualified", unless you want to enjoy being the leading role in the next release of "Horror Stories from the Leaching Field". Take the time to do a little homework, such as going to your local Health Board office and asking what civil engineers are designing septic systems in your Town and whose design plans are typically approved without having to be sent back for corrections and revisions. Once you get a few names, do a little research on the web, Better Business Bureau, etc. Then you should contact these civil engineers and talk with them about your problem septic system and ask for a written proposal that will outline the tasks and costs. Just like you wouldn't eat a rotten piece of fruit, if you don't have a good feeling about a particular civil engineer, then do not hire him!
Now you are ready to go forward with the 12 steps.
1. A test application is submitted to the local Health office (some States, like Rhode Island, control the testing, etc. so the application would have to go to a State agency.)
2. You hire an excavation contractor to dig the test holes. If you do not know a local excavating contractor, then your engineer should provide you with a few contact names. (FYI - by hiring a contractor for the test holes, you are not making a commitment or obligation to hire him to install the replacement septic system.) This excavation contractor will need to follow local / state safety regulations (such as obtaining a "dig-safe" number and having the underground electric, telephone, CATV, gas, etc. located before the test holes are dug.
3. The engineer coordinates with the Health Agent, excavating contractor and you (the client) to set the testing date.
4. The engineer performs the official deep hole soil evaluation and associated "perc" percolation testing. Soil samples may have to be obtained and taken to a lab for further testing. The engineer prepares the official forms (soil logs) and submits a copy to the local health office and to you.
5. The engineer performs a limited existing conditions topographic "topo" survey of your property where the replacement septic system is proposed. (FYI - Unless you have a small lot or do not know where your lot lines and/or lot corners are located, you typically would not need to have your property line surveyed.)
6. The engineer uses the results of the soil evaluation, perc. testing, topo survey in combination with the current and anticipated building use (number of bedrooms, garbage grinder, etc.) and State / Local Sanitary Codes to design a replacement septic system for your property.
7. The formal design plans (with the original seal and signature of the professional civil engineer) and construction permit application are submitted to the local Health Agency for review and approval.
8. The engineer provides you with additional copies of the design plans for you to submit to licensed contractors to obtain a price quote / bid.
9. Once you have selected a contractor, he coordinates with the local Health Agency (to obtain the permit) and the engineer, prior to starting the work.
10. The Health Agent visits the construction site as the work progresses to observe and confirm Code compliance.
11. The engineer, in most States, must visit the construction site to observe the critical construction stages, make measurements and prepare a formal plan showing the completed "as-built" septic system. The engineer submits a copy of this plan to you and the local Health Agency along with a signed compliance statement. Some States also require the contractor to sign and submit a compliance statement.
12. The local Health Agency reviews the "as-built" plan, etc. and issues a "Certificate of Compliance" which signifies that the replacement septic system as installed is in compliance with the State and Local Sanitary Code.
One other item, if you have wetlands on or near your property and the anticipated work will be within 100 ft. of these wetlands, then additional permitting will be necessary before you can have the replacement septic system installed.

How To Find The Best Septic Tank Companies

For millions of people living in rural settings septic tank pumping is a fact of life. With the closest municipal sewage hookup miles away a properly maintained and working septic system is vitally important and getting it pumped out at regular intervals is a part of that maintenance. In this article we will look at why getting it pumped out regularly is so important, how it is done and about how much you can expect to pay for this service.
But before we get into all that let's take a quick look at what a septic system is and how it works. In simplest terms a septic system is an underground sewage treatment system for homes that do not have access to municipal sewer services. It typically is comprised of four parts; the waste pipe from the house, the septic tank, the drain field and the soil. All these parts need to in working order but the tank itself is the most important part.
Getting the tank pumped out at regular intervals keeps it working properly and prevents clogs that can cause sewage to back up into the house and create disgusting odors. The primary contributor to septic tank clogs are things that very biodegradable. This includes cooking grease and oils that get dumped down the drain and paper products other then toilet paper; paper towels, sanitary napkins and tampons, cigarette butts and cotton balls will all eventually degrade but they tend to get stuck in the inner working of the tank and create clogs that worsen over time.
Another reason to get a septic tank pumped regularly is to check it for damage that can compromise its ability to work in an efficient manner. Once it's pumped out it can be visually inspected for cracks and other damage. If any damage is detected it needs to be repaired to prevent future problems.
The pumping process itself is pretty straight forward. A large truck, sometimes referred to as a "Honey Wagon", with a big tank, suction pump, and a large hoses will come to the property and park in the general vicinity of the septic tank. The operator will remove the manhole cover from the tank, lower the suction hoses into it and fire up the pumps, sucking the accumulated waste into the holding tank on the truck.
A good pumping service will also provide a thorough inspection of the septic tank once it is pumped clean. They will inspect the tank, valves and inlet and outlet ports for damage such as cracks or clogs. They will also inspect the ground around the tank for signs of leaks as well. Any problems should be brought to the homeowner so that they can be dealt with to ensure the proper operation of the entire septic system.
The cost to get a septic tank pumped out varies and will depend on where you live along with a few other factors. Normally it will cost between $125 to $250 or more. The easier the job the less it will cost but there are some circumstances that can cause the price to increase.
The first problem many homeowners run into is knowing exactly where there septic tank is buried. This is particularly true for people who have purchased a home with an existing system. If it is buried and its location isn't readily apparent then your septic pumping service can use a plumbing snake with a radio emitter attached to the end. The snake is fed through one of the cleanouts in the house and out into the tank. A radio receiver is then used to find the end of the snake which gives the location of the tank.
Another problem is a lack of a septic riser over the lid covering the opening into the tank. If the pumping contractor has to dig down to find the lid this can add to the cost of the service. This is also the perfect opportunity to install a riser to avoid this issue for future pump outs.
The thing to remember when it comes the cost of pumping a septic tank out; The easier it is to for the pumper truck driver to find and access the tank the lower the overall cost will be. It can be well worth it to address any of these issues the first time you get your tank pumped out as it will keep costs down in the future.
Septic tank pumping is the most important part of maintaining a septic system. A clogged or overfull tank is the primary cause of many septic system problems that can be prevented through regularly scheduled visits by the "Honey Wagon".
To understand what is involved in septic tank pumping, it is first important to understand what a septic system is, what it does and how it works. A septic system is, very simply, an underground treatment system for household sewage. A typical septic system consists of 4 components: the pipe from the house, the septic tank, a drain field and the soil. Damage or malfunction of any of these components can cause the system to fail which can result in soil and drinking water contamination and costly repairs or replacements by the homeowner.
How it works
A very basic explanation of how the system works begins with waste water leaving the house through the plumbing network inside the house to the pipe leading to the septic tank. The tank is buried underground and is usually constructed in a water tight manner of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. It is intended to hold the waste water long enough to allow the solids to settle to the bottom (to form sludge) and the oils to float to the top (to form scum). Some of the solid waste decomposes as well. There are compartments and a "t" shaped outlet from the septic tank that prevents the sludge and scum from leaving the tank to travel to the drain fields. Once the liquid enters the drain field, it is filtered through the several layers of soil for the final treatment by removal of harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients.
Septic tank pumping is required periodically to remove the sludge and scum from the tank. If the sludge and scum is allowed to build up in the tank, it can clog the drainage from the septic tank and the drain field. Your local septic service company in Molalla can provide periodic inspections as well as pumping and cleaning of your tank to keep everything working as it was designed.
The pumping process
The process of septic tank pumping involves the use of a large tank truck with suction pumps and hoses. The hoses are inserted into the manhole opening at the ground level to remove the scum and sludge accumulation. The sludge and scum are sucked into the tank on the truck and it is later disposed of in an approved manner and place. The septic service companies in Molalla will inspect the tank, valves and the ground around the system to assess for leaks or clogged areas. Areas needing attention will be brought to the attention of the homeowner and an appropriate resolution suggested.
Since septic tanks may get blocked with waste products over a period of time, it is always better to get them serviced on a regular basis. Septic tank pumping is necessary at times to enhance the lifespan of these systems and also to prevent solid waste from accumulating enough to reach the surface area of the tank. However, it is very important to know the exact time when your septic system needs to be pumped.
According to most experts from some of the cities in the US, like Lawrenceville and Monroe, it is better not to wait till your cesspit is full in order to clean it. Some important points to remember in order to know the exact time for septic tank pumping are:
1. Size of the tank: It is very important to know the exact size of your cesspit in order to know the ideal time to clean it. In order to know when your cesspit needs pumping, you may contact the local health department with the size of it and also the total number of people residing in your home. They would be able to tell you how often your cesspit needs cleaning.
2. Do not wait for any symptoms: According to most experts from some of the major cities in the US, like Duluth and Lawrenceville, it is best not to wait for any signs that would tell you when to opt for septic tank pumping. Normally when these systems work, the waste settles at the bottom and the residue water passes on through the drain field. Once this waste accumulates a lot, it would tend to push its way into the drain field. This would in turn prevent the smooth passage of water. It is always better to opt for septic tank pumping before this happens.
3. Check visually: Most of the cesspits have easy access for you to look inside. Check visually on a regular basis to see that the waste does not accumulate too much. It is good to remember that solid waste should not take up more than 30% of the total area.